Giant Tarantulas Are Invading Texas By The Thousands This Summer
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 29, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the bugs. While it’s no secret that summer brings lots of critters out of the woodwork here in the hot, humid Lone Star State, the eight-legged variety will be especially populous. It’s mating season for the Texas Brown Tarantula, a large arachnid that lays up to 1,000 eggs at a time. C’mon, we know you want to see:
Over 1200 different species of tarantula can be found all across earth's Southern Hemisphere. Named after the Southern Italian town of Taranto, the somewhat ambiguous term describes any large, unfamiliar ground-dwelling spider.
Pictured here is the Mexican Redknee Tarantula, the type we're all most familiar with. The creature's black and orange hues jive perfectly with Halloween, making it something of a symbol for the holiday.
Everything is bigger in Texas - including the spiders. The Texas Brown Tarantula is one of the largest varieties, with adults weighing up to three ounces and boasting leg spans of over four inches.
As you can see, tarantulas are relatively docile animals that prefer staying hidden. The only exception is during their mating season, which lasts from May until October. Peaking in July and August, this crucial time period brings them out of the woodwork and into contact with humans.
Once a female gets pregnant, she can hold up to 1,000 eggs in her web, which is located beneath the soil. After hatching, the babies stay close to mom for a short while before setting off to build their own underground burrows.
Although not poisonous, tarantulas do have several defense mechanisms for times of stress. When they feel threatened, the spiders will raise their front legs and proceed to shoot needle-like hairs towards the approaching offender. They also bite occasionally, but it feels like nothing more than a mild bee sting.
This summer, the tarantulas will be most highly concentrated in North Texas. While nothing to worry about health and safety wise, keeping your eyes peeled during outdoor adventures might keep any unpleasant surprises at bay!
